Writing, MFA

48 credit hours

The MFA in writing program at Lindenwood University focuses on the study and practice of the craft of creative writhing. We offer craft classes, literature classes, and writing workshops in small class settings, with personalized instruction and workshop feedback from instructors and the class. Coursework can be taken fully online, or through on-campus clusters, or through a combination of both delivery methods.

Admission to the MFA in Writing program is based on a creative writing sample and a statement of purpose. Both items should be emailed to MFA Program Director. The writing sample should be 7-10 pages of creative writing (fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction). The program requires students who clearly demonstrate strong writing skills, an understanding of the craft of literary creative writing, and a willingness to continue growing as a writer. The Statement of Purpose should describe why students would like to pursue the MFA degree and the role writing has played in their life. The MFA Program has a rolling admissions policy, with four submissions deadlines per year: May 1 for summer quarter, August 1 for fall quarter, November 1  for winter quarter, and February 1 for spring quarter. Students must also meet all University admissions requirements. For identification purposes, fully online students must submit a notarized copy of their driver's license or GRE scores.

 

The MFA in Writing is a 48-credit-hour degree program. The graduate thesis, in which students produce a creative thesis of 70-100 pages in the student's genre(s) of choice, is required for the final three credit hours. Students select the remainder of their coursework (nine credit clusters and/or three credit online classes) from the MFA curriculum.

Core Curriculum

Graduate Fiction Cluster (9) WR3

IMF 53500	Fiction Writing Workshop	3
IMF 53600	Fundamentals of Contemporary Fiction	3
IMF 53700-53799	Selected Emphases in Fiction	3

Graduate Studies in Fiction Cluster (9)

IMF 51600-51699	Fiction Genres	3
IMF 54000	Advanced Studies in Fiction	3
IMF 57900	Advanced Studies in Film	3

Graduate Flash Fiction Cluster (9)

IMF 53200	Advanced Focused Fiction Workshop	3
IMF 54100	Special Topics Focused Workshop	3
IMF 53900	Advanced Studies Contemporary Fiction	3

Graduate Advanced Fiction Cluster (9)

IMF 51900	Advanced Fiction Genres	3
IMF 53800	Advanced Fiction Workshop	3
IMF 55900	Advanced Studies in Prose Collection	3

Graduate Prose Cluster (9) WR6

IMF 52200-52299	Focused Fiction Workshop	3
IMF 52300-52399	Focused Nonfiction Workshop	3
IMF 55600-55699	The Prose Collection	3

Graduate Prose Poetry Cluster (9)

IMF 52000	Advanced Poetry Genres	3
IMF 53000	Advanced Studies in Poetry	3
IMF 55500	Prose Workshop	3

Graduate Poetry Cluster (9) WR5

IMF 52500	Poetry Writing Workshop	3
IMF 52600	The Craft of Poetry: Prosody and Language	3
IMF 52700-52799	Selected Emphases in Poetry	3

Graduate Advanced Poetry Cluster (9)

IMF 52800	Advanced Poetry Workshop	3
IMF 52900	Advanced Studies Craft of Poetry	3
IMF 53100	Advanced Focused Poetry Workshop	3

Graduate Confessional Poetry Cluster (9)

IMF 51700-51799	Poetry Genres	3
IMF 52100-52199	Focused Poetry Workshop	3
IMF 53300	Advanced Focused Nonfiction Workshop	3

Graduate Creative Nonfiction Cluster (9) WR1

IMF 54500	Creative Nonfiction Workshop	3
IMF 54600	The Personal Essay and Memoir	3
IMF 54700	The Lyric Essay	3

Graduate Advanced Creative Nonfiction Cluster (9)

IMF 54800	Advanced Studies in Nonfiction	3
IMF 54900	Advanced Studies Personal Essay and Memoir	3
IMF 55000	Advanced Studies in Lyric Essay	3

Graduate Narrative Journalism Cluster (9) WR4

IMF 56500	Writing For Publications	3
IMF 56600	Narrative Journalism	3
IMF 56700	Readings in Narrative Journalism	3

Graduate Advanced Narrative Journalism Cluster (9)

IMF 56800	Advanced Studies in Journalism	3
IMF 56900	Advanced Studies in Narrative Journalism	3
IMF 57000	Advanced Journalism Readings	3

Graduate Journal Editing Cluster (9)

IMF 55700-55799	The Literary Journal	3
IMF 55800	Advanced Studies in Prose	3
IMF 56000	Advanced Studies in Literary Journal	3

Graduate Scriptwriting Cluster (9) WR7

IMF 57500	Scriptwriting Workshop	3
IMF 57600	The Narrative Arc In Film	3
IMF 57700	Script Analysis	3

Note: This cluster is open to communications majors upon program director’s approval of writing sample.

Graduate Advanced Scriptwriting Cluster (9)

IMF 52400	Focused Scriptwriting Workshop	3
IMF 53400	Advanced Focused Scriptwriting Workshop	3
IMF 57800	Advanced Scriptwriting	3

Graduate Writing for the MFA Cluster (9)

IMF 51500	Creative Writing for the MFA	3
IMF 51800	Advanced Creative Writing	3
IMF 58000	Advanced Script Analysis	3